While the right side wins at takeoff with the Sierra de la Laguna and Sea of Cortez, the left side dominates the bulk of the flight — it tracks the Pacific coastline of Baja California and mainland Mexico, offers views of the Channel Islands off Southern California, the California coast through Big Sur and the Bay Area, the Oregon coast, and delivers the best arrival views of Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympics.
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Flight Path
San Jose Del Cabo to Seattle is 1,817 miles (2,924 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight tracks northwest up the Baja Peninsula with the Pacific on the left and Sea of Cortez on the right, then crosses into Southern California near Ensenada. It passes over or near the Channel Islands, the California Central Valley, the Klamath Mountains of northern California, the Cascade Range through southern Oregon with Mount Shasta visible to the east, then descends over the Willamette Valley and crosses the Columbia River before entering Washington state and descending toward Puget Sound.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJD
RIGHTSJD's primary departure runway 16/34 means northbound departures head roughly north, and a right-side seat faces east toward the rugged Sierra de la Laguna mountains rising sharply from the desert. The Pacific coastline and the tip of Baja California are also visible to the right as the aircraft climbs out over the peninsula.
Landing at SEA
LEFTSeaTac's primary arrival from the south typically uses runways 16L/16R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south-southwest. A left-side seat gives a clear view of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound as the plane descends over the south end of the Sound.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Cabos International (SJD) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose Del Cabo to Seattle. While the right side wins at takeoff with the Sierra de la Laguna and Sea of Cortez, the left side dominates the bulk of the flight — it tracks the Pacific coastline of Baja California and mainland Mexico, offers views of the Channel Islands off Southern California, the California coast through Big Sur and the Bay Area, the Oregon coast, and delivers the best arrival views of Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympics.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Cabos International in San Jose Del Cabo?
During takeoff from Los Cabos International (SJD), sit on the Right side for the best views. SJD's primary departure runway 16/34 means northbound departures head roughly north, and a right-side seat faces east toward the rugged Sierra de la Laguna mountains rising sharply from the desert. The Pacific coastline and the tip of Baja California are also visible to the right as the aircraft climbs out over the peninsula. Notable sights include: Sierra de la Laguna mountains, Cabo San Lucas bay and Land's End rock arch (distant), Sea of Cortez coastline, Baja desert scrubland.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. SeaTac's primary arrival from the south typically uses runways 16L/16R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south-southwest. A left-side seat gives a clear view of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound as the plane descends over the south end of the Sound. Notable sights include: Downtown Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier (to the east on approach), Puget Sound.
How long is the flight from San Jose Del Cabo to Seattle?
The flight from Los Cabos International (SJD) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,817 miles (2,924 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Jose Del Cabo to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest up the Baja Peninsula with the Pacific on the left and Sea of Cortez on the right, then crosses into Southern California near Ensenada. It passes over or near the Channel Islands, the California Central Valley, the Klamath Mountains of northern California, the Cascade Range through southern Oregon with Mount Shasta visible to the east, then descends over the Willamette Valley and crosses the Columbia River before entering Washington state and descending toward Puget Sound.